Abstract : The problem of 3D shape characterization has been intensively studied lately, because the computer power increases a lot and the image acquisition is more efficient, with now real 3D image acquisition method like microtomography. The material studied in this work is a 5xxx aluminium alloy. It contains intermetallic particles which control both formability and surface aspect. During the industrial process used to transform slabs into plates, particles are broken, and redistributed in volume. In this paper, the shape of intermetallic particles originating from the solidification process of aluminium alloys is studied. These particles are observed as being very complex. Modelling their shape requires a single approach based on 3D morphological analysis. A description of the shape of each intermetallic particles is given, using parameters and distribution measures. This paper also presents an original way to study the evolution of particles at different stages of deformation of the material, and the evolution of its orientations.